"Physical Activity Group Sessions"

I was referred to Joe’s classes as part of a rehabilitation programme following my cancer diagnosis in October 2022 to assess and promote my fitness for chemotherapy and prospective surgery.

Joe visited me during a period of hospitalisation in November 2022 to gain consent and explain his part in the programme and complete a fitness and health assessment.

Initially I didn’t quite know what to expect and was trying to come to terms with my diagnosis and hospitalisation but I had the mind set that whatever was being offered to me to optimise my health status and promote my ability to deal with whatever was ahead I would take it.

I have subsequently completed 3 x 6 week group sessions with Joe. The latest were offered to me by Joe following my surgery in March 2023.

I have found the sessions very beneficial from both a physical and psychological viewpoint. I always have been a keen walker and would have attended Pilates in the past so whilst initially not being able to pursue these activities the classes allowed me to be engaged with exercise tailored to my abilities at the time and in a safe and supportive environment. I felt the sessions promoted a sense of positivity with me amidst other things going on in my life at the time and supported my physical preparation for surgery.

I had lost a lot of muscle mass initially in my illness as I was quite inactive so the classes definitely helped to build up my muscle strength and accompanied with walking again I am back to my pre diagnosis physique .

The classes are tailored to all abilities and Joe offers advice and encouragement throughout the session’s to maximise each participant’s abilities which was great.

The exercises in the class also support daily living activities such as housework,gardening,etc and getting back to those activities for people who may have been more incapacitated following a cancer diagnosis and treatment.

I am definitely glad that I was offered the classes through Joe and the Friends of the Cancer Centre organisation and would definitely recommend attending the classes via social media. I am actually continuing with the exercises from Joe’s classes and Joe has forwarded information on continuing with exercise via YouTube and local walking groups in my area.

A really good initiative which I would wholeheartedly recommend.